Course Overview

Course summary

This course offers interesting and challenging modules and options. It will suit graduates intending to work in HR, as well as those already working in the field and wanting to advance their careers. Building on your understanding of the theory and practice of HRM techniques, it provides a professionally focused and research informed blend of academic and practical information, encouraging critical reflection on current HRM approaches.

Westminster Business School is a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) approved centre. The course has been accredited by the CIPD as meeting the 'knowledge criteria' for professional membership. This means that once you have successfully shown the CIPD relevant evidence of your practice in the workplace, you will gain the professional level of Chartered Membership, with the joining and initial membership fee paid for by the University.

The emphasis in the classroom is on blending theory and practice, problem diagnosis and the selection of managerial tools to provide the best fit with the situation. Classes are often run on a workshop basis, giving you the opportunity for students to pool their experience, as well as drawing on the expertise of the tutors. You will also have the opportunity to develop essential HR practitioner skills by attending a series of practical workshops.

Course structure

The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course. All modules are subject to the CIPD and University of Westminster approval.

This module examines the ways in which organisational effectiveness is influenced by structures, technologies, culture, power and attitudes. You will use concepts and modes of analysis to critically evaluate, organisational design and development.

Additional option modules

The module focuses on the evolving role of Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) in an environment of unprecedented economic uncertainty and intensification of competition driven by advances in globalisation.

The module provides you with the ability to critically appreciate the philosophies, theories, models and techniques underpinning the management development processes at both the corporate and individual levels.

You will examine the ways in which corporate cultures impact on the management of organisational change. Through a critical analysis of relevant concepts, models and methods, you will develop the skills to manage change within different organisational environments.

This module explores and considers the structure and implications of difference and inequality within the employment relationship by examining the historical, sociological, economic and psychological basis of discrimination.

Accreditation

Westminster Business School will pay your CIPD joining fee and your membership fees for the first period of your studies. You will also be provided with text books which contain the essential reading for the core modules.

Programme Specification

For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the programme specification.

Course Leader

Principal Lecturer

Dr Christine Porter is the Course Leader for the part-time version of MA Human Resource Management. For many years she was Head of the Department of Human Resource Management in Westminster Business School and recently stepped down from that role. WBS is a Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) Accredited Centre, and one of the largest centres for the professional development of HR managers in the UK.

Christine is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD. Her subject specialisms are Management Development, International Human Resource Management and Employee Relations. Her background is in line management and human resource management in the hotel industry, in both London and Paris.

She has considerable experience of running management training courses in the UK and has conducted many overseas assignments, including in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. She was part of an ACAS team advising the Romanian Economic & Social Council on accession to the European Union. Her doctoral thesis was in the area of impact of national culture on management practice and learning styles, a subject on which she continues to write and research.

Christine’s publications include a text The Skills of Management and Leadership (co-authored with W. David Rees) published by Palgrave Macmillan in 2015. Previously she co-edited a further text, Exploring Human Resource Management (with Cecilie Bingham and David Simmonds) published in 2008 and Skills of Management which was published by Cengage and went to 6 editions. She is a regular contributor to Industrial and Commercial Training, and is on the editorial board.

Entry Requirements

Typical offer

Undergraduate Degree

Applicants should normally hold a first degree from a recognised institution (minimum Lower Second Class Honours or international equivalent) and demonstrate interest and motivation in the subject area. Alternative professional qualifications with at least three years’ relevant professional experience will also be considered. Directly relevant degree disciplines include business studies, economics, geography, management, and operations research.

However, students with qualifications in other disciplines such as engineering, environmental sciences, the humanities and languages are also encouraged to apply.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum score of 6 in each element

Applicants should normally hold a first degree from a recognised institution (minimum Lower Second Class Honours or international equivalent) and demonstrate interest and motivation in the subject area. Alternative professional qualifications with at least three years’ relevant professional experience will also be considered. Directly relevant degree disciplines include business studies, economics, geography, management, and operations research.

However, students with qualifications in other disciplines such as engineering, environmental sciences, the humanities and languages are also encouraged to apply.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum score of 6 in each element

Careers

After completing the course you can be expected to develop your career within HRM, either in the UK or abroad, or to continue your studies in HR-related fields. Providing a higher degree qualification in a well-established management area, the course will enable you to enhance your career prospects and marketability in the professional practice of HRM. Past students have become consultants (internal and external), HR managers, compensation and benefits managers, change management specialists, HR business partners/operations managers, civil servants and mediators. Employers of our students include the BBC, Cap Gemini, Linklaters, PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Royal Household.

As a Human Resource Management postgraduate, you can look forward to excellent career prospects in managerial or organisational roles which focus on human resources or people development. Past students have gone on to become consultants (internal and external), HR managers, compensation and benefits managers, change management specialists, HR business partners/operations managers, civil servants, and mediators.

With the MA Human Resource Management, you'll be particularly well-placed to pursue people focused career opportunities in areas such as change management and compensation and benefits.

The School is designated a Centre of Excellence by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). The course has been approved by the CIPD as meeting the 'Knowledge Criteria' for Chartered Membership. This means that once you have successfully shown the CIPD relevant evidence of your practice in the workplace, you will gain the professional level of either Associate or Chartered Membership.

The Business Experience Team also offers full-time overseas postgraduate students the opportunity to take part in our Westminster Business School Mentoring Programme.

We will match students with a senior professional (mentor) from their field of expertise to give them an exact insight into British working practices and policies. Experienced professionals in any business field share their career experiences and knowledge with students who may wish to venture down a similar path in the near future.

Our mentors come from a wide range of backgrounds, including marketing, general management, finance and entrepreneurship. In addition, our mentors typically offer three hours of their time over a three month period to the mentee (student). In addition, to one-to-one meetings, students are encouraged to keep in touch with their mentor over email and telephone.

Our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.

With a growing network of over 3,000 employers around the world and a team of experienced careers consultants, we provide you with a variety of opportunities to work and develop new skills. As a University of Westminster student, you’ll have access to our services throughout your studies and after you graduate.

Student Highlight

Diala
Ghandour

Human Resource Management MA

During my course, I learned how to research and build my knowledge in HR and to keep updating it consistently. The international experience in London is great. I found it really valuable to learn about employment law, employee relations, developing and delivering training and how HR can bring balance to organisations and make a difference.

Believe in yourself, believe that your degree will make you think differently and stay open to new ideas.

Additional costs

Student Highlight

Helen
Wiley

Human Resource Management MA

The range of modules that you can select from is great. It allows you to get a real general understanding for many HR functions or to specialise in a particular area if you like. In addition to this, you gain insight into the economic climate and financial markets which allow you to understand business as a whole. I am now working as an HR advisor at Make it Cheaper, a fast-paced Energy, Insurance and Telecoms Broker.

The University of Westminster has provided me with a unique opportunity and new direction.

Facilities

Learning platform

Meeting spaces

Library

Classrooms

Bloomberg Suite

Group study zone

Cafe

Find out more

Course Location

Our Marylebone Campus has benefitted from a multi-million pound refurbishment resulting in new workshops, digital studios and development of the Marylebone Library. The campus is home to the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment and Westminster Business School. For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.